I’m a senior who is planning on applying EA to MIT. My question is whether or not anyone has any experience with any students on the spectrum at MIT. I have diagnosed Asperger’s and difficulties with social interaction but my impairment isn’t at a severe level. I could pass as a neurotypical honestly. I’m probably more girly than the majority of MIT students actually; I love makeup and wear dresses every day. I enjoy a certain amount of social interaction and am lucky to have friends who accept my eccentricities.
My impression of the MIT student body is basically students with a love of learning who are reasonably friendly/non-judgmental. This is why I’m hopeful I’d be able to fit in (relatively). Can anyone comment on this? I attend a private college prep school and there are no “out” aspies so it’s kind of hard to not feel alone. The only supports I get are extended time so I wouldn’t expect MIT to give me accommodations or anything. I feel like a lot of aspie qualities are ones that might blend well in the MIT community–intense passion for special interest, honest to a fault, absolutely no interest in being “cool” or “popular.” Am I totally off or is it possible for a student on the spectrum to be successful at MIT?
Also I’m a bit nervous about the interview. I haven’t gotten my EC yet or anything, but I make poor eye contact and often just go on rambling about myself. I guess in an interview this wouldn’t be the worst thing haha. I’m just worried I might go off on a tangent about fracking or the latest physics lesson we’re learning or whatever and completely bore my interviewer being none the wiser. I know MIT really encourages the interview and I’m relatively confident I can do a passable job, but is it really important?
If anyone has any information, I’d be so appreciative!
Also, I’m scared I’m becoming obsessed with MIT. Of course I’m applying elsewhere but it’s an ASD tendency to just get enthralled with something to the point where I have to read every fact out there and immerse myself. I’m worried about the 90+% likely rejection and how it’s going to hurt.
It is good that you have the awareness that your odds are fairly low (pretty much everyone’s are). I think there are a fair number of Aspie students at MIT, and you will fit in fine if you are accepted. Be yourself in the interview. I do think it is important at MIT to interview; interviews are strongly recommended, and the web site says your chances are much lower if you don’t interview.
Also, if you have a medical diagnosis and have been getting extra time in high school, colleges have disabilities offices that will review your materials and determine if you can get the same accommodations there. You don’t have to discuss that in your application or intervene if you don’t want to.
Wherever you get in, go to accepted student visits at your top 2-3 choices and see what feels most comfortable to you. Be sure you have some matches and safeties you can afford and would also like to attend. Then if you get into MIT, great! But if not, there are a lot of other good schools as well.
I think that back in the 1980s, many students at MIT had mild to moderate social impairment, although none of us had a diagnosis, as it was not well understood or diagnosed back then. My sense is today’s MIT still has quite a few high functioning Aspergers professors and students. A few of my MIT professors had trouble with eye contact. Its just so normal to have social issues at MIT, I do not think you should worry at all.
Make a good list of colleges now, and study their websites and go to meetings about all the colleges other than MIT on your list. Pick a few others to obsess about! Its easy to get excited about colleges today, and you will thrive where ever you land.
Look at your stats and put some safety schools on your list and obsess about which one is BEST for you! . You may find that they have very exciting programs and good student organizations, and may offer majors that MIT does not offer, for instance.
Think about being a big fish in a small pond, or think about fantastic division 1 sports if you put a flagship on your list of possible choices.
There are lots of schools with many offerings, including spectator sports that might really make for a fun and social experience for you.
Focus on how to order up your list, so MIT is ONE of course, then ABC College is number 2 on your list , then XYZ college is three.
So then if you get into MIT GREAT. If you don’t you move to ABC College and know thats where you will go, if you get into that one.
Focus on making a good list and do the research to figure out what second best, third best and fourth best is for you.
I hope you get into all of them!
I wouldn’t even rank them within your list. Keep an open mind until you do accepted student visits at the colleges that accept you.
My sophomore S tells me there are many MIT students on the spectrum.